Dr. James R. Roche

Posted: 3/14/2018

James R. Roche, DDS

It is with a heavy heart we announce that Dr. James R. Roche of Carmel, IN passed away on March 11, 2018. Board certified on December 17, 1959, Dr. Roche served as a director of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) from 1974-1981 and as Chairman (today’s President) from 1980-1981. From 1982-2002, Dr. Roche served as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer for ABPD. Each year the James. R. Roche award is presented to the individual(s) who earned the highest score of the May ABPD Qualifying Examination by The Foundation of the College of Diplomates of the ABPD.

ABPD Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Dean, describes Dr. Roche as a “warm and compassionate man, husband and father. Jim established a career of excellence and accomplishment. His work is appreciated and respected both nationally and internationally, and he will be sorely missed by all.”

Dr. Roche was in the private practice of pediatric dentistry in Indianapolis for 18 years, retiring in 2002. As a faculty member of Indiana University for 37 years, he received appointments as Professor and Chairman of Graduate Pediatric Dentistry and Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Academic Affairs.

Dr. Roche received a Distinguished Teaching Award from IU in 1976 and an IUPUI Experience Excellence Recognition Award in 1984. The American Society of Dentistry for Children presented him the 1993 Award of Excellence.

Dr. Roche was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IU School of Dentistry Alumni Association in 2003, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IU Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Association in 2005. He received the 2008 Honor Dentist Award from the Indianapolis District Dental Society by the Indiana Dental Association.

Family and friends are invited to gather Friday, March 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 17 at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, of which he was a member.